Fall back, stay safe: Use this weekend’s extra hour to perform safety checks around the home

Fall back, stay safe: Use this weekend's extra hour to perform safety checks around the home

As clocks change, CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers to change batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Friday-November-1-2024

Houston - Nov. 1, 2024 - Daylight Saving Time comes to an end this Sunday, Nov. 3, and CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers to use the extra hour to practice household safety maintenance and prepare for the winter heating season.

"As the seasons change and temperatures begin to cool down, now is the perfect time to fall into a habit of checking and changing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when you set your clocks back an hour," said Al Payton, CenterPoint Vice President of Safety and Technical Training. "Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is potentially poisonous if inhaled, and fire deaths are more common in homes without working smoke alarms. Having detectors that function properly is essential for keeping you and your family safe."

Customers can also use the extra hour to perform other safety tasks around the home, such as: ​

• Changing the filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system: Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of your HVAC system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs down the road.
• Scheduling routine furnace maintenance: Having a professional inspect your heating system regularly can help lower heating bills and extend the life of your furnace.
• Cleaning dryer vents: Help prevent fires and keep your dryer running efficiently by clearing lint out of the tube that goes from the appliance to the outdoors.
• Sealing air leaks by caulking and weather stripping: To save energy and reduce cooling/heating costs, take time to caulk areas in and around your home where conditioned air may escape or warm or cold air may enter.
• Checking emergency kits: For items like nonperishable food, water, flashlights and other battery-powered devices, daylight saving time is a great reminder to check that supplies are up to date.

By taking small steps to prepare for colder weather, customers can make a big difference in the safety and energy efficiency of their homes. CenterPoint offers programs, tips and tools to help manage energy bills and reduce energy use while keeping your home comfortable. For additional safety tips and information on energy efficiency programs, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

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